Increase tourism and strengthen the Canadian brand abroad by developing a new federal Tourism Strategy.

What success looks like

Completion of a new federal Tourism Strategy. 30 per cent overall increase in tourism by 2021, increased tourism from the United States (U.S.) and China, and improved international ranking of Canada as a top tourist destination.

Government's narrative on progress

The government is working to increase the number of international tourists to Canada by 30% by 2021. This goal includes doubling the number of Chinese visitors by the same year and positioning Canada as a top-10 destination ranking by 2025. Spending by international visitors to Canada reached $21.3 billion in 2017, representing an increase of 6.4% over 2016. Canada set a new record high number of tourist arrivals in 2017 of 20.8 million. The New York Times, Lonely Planet and Condé Nast have all recognized Canada as a top international destination to visit in 2017. The Canada-China Year of Tourism in 2018 was an opportunity to increase visitation from China, which is supported by the opening of new Visa Application Centres in China. Budget 2018 allocated $3.6 million in funding to support activities such as hosting the closing ceremony for the Canada China Year of Tourism and working closely with Canadian businesses as they prepare to welcome an increased number of tourists from China.

Note: this is the government's own description, not an independent assessment.